Page 78 of Seasoned
She had no idea why he was behaving this way. “It’s not enough that I worked hard all these years, taking care of the kids, making sure you have a hot meal twice a day during the week and three times on the weekend? I did my part, so why can’t you be happy for me? Why won’t you support my dream?”
“Ihavesupported you and done everything humanly possible to make you happy. You wanted this house.” He gestured widely in the general vicinity of the walls. “I bought it for you. You wanted that kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, and we did the renovation. You wanted three kids and a patio so you could socialize with your girlfriends. Everything you wanted, I gave to you.”
“You gave me this and gave me that. That makes you feel like a big man when you say that, doesn’t it? Look at what I’ve done for my wife, fellas. Maybe I want something that I earned on my own, that you didn’t give me. And frankly, while I admit you’re very generous, you didn’t give me everything I wanted, as you so glibly put it.”
“Tell me what you wanted that I never gave you. Tell me!”
Because he was yelling, she yelled, too. “Your time!”
His eyebrows snapped together. “Did you tell me that? Because I don’t recall having that conversation. You clearly articulated your need for a state-of-the-art kitchen, but when did you tell me you wanted to spend more time with me? I’ll tell you when. Never. Not once.”
“Because I didn’t want to beg. Why didn’t you want to spend time with me, the way you used to? I never had to tell you that before. I was your wife.”
She’d been embarrassed about her need to be with him, especially when it was so obvious he didn’t feel the need to be with her. Coupled with the fact that the kids were all independent, she’d felt like a useless appendage.
“I didn’t have time because I was busy giving you the life that you wanted.”
“No, don’t you dare blame this on me.” Adelaide marched over to him and jabbed a finger in his face. “You wanted the three stores and the SUV and the family vacations. You’re the one who sends money to your family back in Mexico and helped support your aunt when she got sick and couldn’t work. That was all you. Choices you made that meant you had to work harder and longer hours.”
“That’s what a man does.”
“You know what, I’m sick of your macho bullshit.”
“Oh, now it’s bullshit. Now you’re sick of it.” Bitterness filled Hector’s abrupt laugh.
“A man isn’t supposed to only provide financial security. Emotional security, caring, that’s all part of marriage.” Adelaide trembled with finally unleashed rage. She didn’t have to hide her feelings and comments anymore.
Hector narrowed his eyes. “You know what else is part of marriage? Getting the support you need from your wife. Hearing a goddamn ‘thank-you’ every now and again for providing a roof over your head and taking you and the kids on those expensive vacations once a year. But that’s too much to ask because this marriage should only center around you.”
“That is not true.”
“You, you, you. Our entire marriage has always been about you, Addie. You and the kids. You know why we’re divorced? Because you were unhappy. And me, I keep trying to fix every goddamn thing to make you happy. You didn’t want to be with me, so I left, even though I was gutted by the thought that you’d stopped loving me. That I’d somehow fucked up and some other man was going to take my place in your life.
“The only thing that made me feel even remotely good was that I’d done my best all these years. I made sure we had shelter, food, the kids could go to the colleges they wanted and had everything they ever needed, but all you can do is tell me what I’m doing wrong. Did I do anything right? You want to spend time with me, and I’m giving you that now. I’m meeting your needs. But what about my needs?” He slammed his fist against his chest. “Do they matter? Can I get a damn thank-you, just once? Good job, Hector. No, that would be too much to ask, wouldn’t it? Because it wouldn’t be about you.” He huffed and shook his head. “You want your own job, then fine, have at it. Show the world how little you need me. Show the world that I can’t take care of my own wife.”
“That’s not what—” He pushed past her out the door. “Hector!”
He kept moving.
“Where are you going?”
“Out.”
“We need to finish this conversation.” She followed him to the garage.
“We’re done talking. We’ve said everything we need to say to each other.”
“Where are you going?” she asked again.
“Home.”
That single word pained her. He hadn’t referred to the apartment ashomein weeks.
“Fine! Go! Maybe Rita can keep you company tonight.” She gasped, wishing she could take back the words. She didn’t mean them because she didn’t want that woman anywhere near her him.
Hector glared at her and then pulled out of the garage.
Adelaide didn’t move, staring after him as the door slowly lowered. When he was gone, she went back into the house.
